I’m really stuck, i’ve looked on the blackberry website for help and through the booklet that came when i bought the phone but whenever i try to set up the internet it says the server is not responding, can anyone help me?

My husband wants a Blackberry Pearl for Christmas but doesn’t want to be locked into a contract with any service provider. Can you actually buy a handset with a pay as you go sim whilst still getting the full Blackberry functions and capability. I have searched everywhere on the net and can only find contract options.
Also, if it is possible to purchase just the handset, do you know the cheapest place in Edinburgh to buy one?